Emergency Services Network (ESN) Project Lead

The role

Here at Northumbria Police, we think our region is amazing! It takes a great deal of people from different backgrounds, with diverse skills and experience to serve our force area effectively, think you have what it takes to help us make a difference? This could be the perfect time for you to join us in our Digital Department as an ESN Programme Lead.

The ESN Programme Lead is responsible for the end-to-end programme management of the Emergency Services Network (ESN) delivery across the three regional forces of Northumbria, Durham and Cleveland. Acting as the local lead for the national Emergency Services Mobile Communications Programme (ESMCP), the role ensures that ESN solutions are successfully planned, governed and implemented in line with national standards while meeting regional operational policing requirements. This includes providing strategic leadership, overseeing delivery milestones, managing risks and dependencies, and ensuring a smooth transition from existing Airwave services to ESN capabilities.

Working collaboratively with senior stakeholders across the three forces, the Home Office, NEAT and national ESN partners, the postholder will provide a single point of accountability for regional ESN delivery. The role will balance national programme demands with local priorities, ensuring that solutions are operationally effective, value for money and aligned to force strategies. Through strong engagement, assurance and governance, the ESN Programme Lead will support frontline policing by enabling resilient, secure and future-proof emergency communications across the region.

What you’ll do

Lead the end to end delivery of ESN, overseeing definition, analysis, development, procurement and implementation, with robust governance and documentation throughout.

Ensure ESN solutions meet the operational needs of all three forces through effective quality and business assurance, including cost–benefit analysis and post implementation reviews.

Manage, mentor and develop staff to maintain up to date skills and high performance in support of force and programme objectives.

Represent Northumbria, Durham and Cleveland at national level, working closely with the Home Office, ESMCP and policing partners to deliver regional operational requirements.

Support NEAT in requirements gathering and the assessment and award of national procurement for ESN operational equipment and services.